Digital applicator

ABSTRACT

The applicator, typically an applicator of a cosmetic, includes a) an attachment element ( 2 ) designed to be temporarily and reversibly fixed to a finger ( 4 ) of a hand or end phalanx ( 40 ) of the finger ( 4 ), and b) an application member ( 3 ) fixed to the the temporary attachment element and chosen particularly as a function of the nature of the cosmetic to be applied, so as to form a digital applicator ( 1 ) of the cosmetic.

DOMAIN OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the domain of cosmetic applicators.

STATE OF THE ART

Cosmetics are packaged in packagings that comprise or form an applicator chosen as a function of the nature of the cosmetic. Thus, a lipstick tube forms a packaging and an applicator to the extent that the user moves the tube herself to apply the upper end of the lipstick contained in the tube to the lips.

For a powder compact, a powder puff is included in the compact and is used as an applicator.

For a nail varnish, the cap of the flask is fitted with a small brush that dips into the varnish and is used as an applicator.

These are only a few examples that illustrate the general case mentioned above.

PROBLEMS THAT ARISE

Firstly, as is clear with cosmetics and their applicators according to the state of the art, a given applicator is usually associated with a given cosmetic, which is an advantage and also a constraint or limitation.

Imposing a given applicator also means imposing that every user should use the same application means corresponding to “average” needs, although different persons may have different needs and preferences.

In particular, making an accurate application, that is either precisely positioned or with a fine line, is difficult if not impossible with a traditional applicator.

Furthermore, for cosmetics, there is a continuous need to renew the product range, in other words to permanently offer new products and services or new functions.

The invention is intended to solve these two problems.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, the applicator, typically an applicator of a cosmetic, comprises a) an attachment means (2) designed to be temporarily and reversibly fixed to a finger (4) of a hand, and b) an application means (3) fixed to the said temporary attachment means and chosen particularly as a function of the nature of the said cosmetic to be applied, so as to form a digital applicator (1) of the said cosmetic.

This combination of means solves the problems that arise to the extent that the applicator according to the invention is significantly different from known applicators, and also to the extent that it corresponds to a completely different product from known product ranges and considering the inherent design of this applicator, enables the user to make many different choices, so that the variety of needs that arise when applying cosmetics can be satisfied in practice.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4 illustrate a first embodiment of digital applicators (1) according to the invention including a temporary attachment means (2) in the form of a sheath or finger cap (22), the finger (4) being inserted by an axial movement represented by a double arrow in thick lines A corresponding to the axial direction of the digital applicator (1).

A double arrow with a dashed line represents the elastic part E of the temporary attachment means that can separate elastically so that the digital applicator (1) can be temporarily and reversibly assembled on the end of the finger.

FIGS. 1 to 5 show a vertical dashed line denoted (5) forming a separation plane, with temporary attachment means (2) to the left of this line, and the application means (3) to the right of this line.

FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4 are top views of the same type of digital applicator (1), with a sheath (22) becoming increasingly open in the progress from FIG. 1 to FIG. 4.

FIG. 3 a shows an enlarged axial sectional view of the portion in FIG. 3 related to reversible cooperation of the application means (3) and the temporary attachment means (2), typically by click fitting.

FIGS. 3 b and 3 c are axial sections that illustrate the shape and fineness of different specific applicators (32) with a pointed tip in the case of FIG. 3 b and a rounded tip in the case of FIG. 3 c.

FIG. 5 is a top view showing another embodiment of an applicator (1) comprising a support (28) supporting the said sleeve (23) and fixed to a “U” shaped element (28) forming a spring fixed perpendicular to the support (28) as illustrated in FIG. 5 a corresponding to a section C-C in FIG. 5 perpendicular to the axial direction of the applicator (1).

The applicator (1) according to this embodiment may be fixed to the finger either by axial displacement as illustrated in FIG. 5, or by lateral displacement as illustrated in FIG. 5 a.

FIG. 6 shows an axial section representing the end of a finger, for example the index finger, with symbolic mention of two typical ways of temporarily attaching the applicator (1): either by axial displacement A of the applicator (1), or by lateral displacement L with respect to the end phalanx of the finger assumed to be fixed.

FIGS. 7 and 8 relate to another embodiment of an applicator (1) comprising a “U” shaped element forming a spring (27).

FIG. 7 is an axial section corresponding to a variant of an applicator (1) in which the two branches (270) of the “U” shaped element are parallel, these branches comprising one end with a curved edge (272), the sleeve (23) being fixed to the base of the “U” shaped element (271).

FIG. 8, similar to FIG. 7, corresponds to another variant applicator (1) in which the two branches (270) are not parallel so as to facilitate insertion of the end phalanx of the finger. In this variant, the sleeve (230) in FIG. 7 has been replaced by an orifice (232) slightly offset from the base (271) of the “U” shaped element, this orifice acting as a female element for click fitting of a male element (312) of the application means.

FIG. 7 a corresponds to a section perpendicular to the axial direction of applicators (1) along the vertical dashed line in FIGS. 7 and 8, to illustrate the curvature of branches (270) typically adapted to the curvature of the end phalanx of the finger.

FIG. 9 shows an enlarged axial view illustrating typical cooperation by click fitting between the sleeve (23) of the temporary attachment means (2) and the end piece (31) of the removable application means (30).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, the said application means (3) may be a removable application means (30) so that the said application means can be chosen not only as a function of the nature of the said cosmetic, but also as a function particularly of the fineness of the application, but without needing to change the said attachment means (2).

It is an advantageous embodiment of the invention, which makes it possible to use the same attachment means (2) and to change the application means (3) depending on the needs.

However, cases arise in which it is preferable to have a series of applicators (1) depending on needs, each comprising a specific application means that may or may not be removable, either because this corresponds to a required presentation, or because it is easier to use, or because there is a risk of the fingers getting dirty every time that the application means (3) is replaced.

Advantageously, and as illustrated particularly in FIGS. 3 a and 8, the said removable application means (30) may comprise an assembly means (31), typically a standard end piece (310), or possibly a male element (312) that will cooperate with a corresponding assembly means (23), typically a sleeve (230) or possibly an orifice forming a female element (232), fixed to the said attachment means (2). The assembly means (23) and (31) may typically comprise click fitting means (231, 311) for manual changing of the said removable application means (30).

In FIGS. 3 a, 7 and 8, the letter “F” diagrammatically represents the relative displacement of attachment means (2) and application means (3) in the case of a removable application means (30).

FIGS. 8 and 9 are typical illustrations of cooperation of click fitting assembly means (23) and (31).

According to a first embodiment of the invention, the said attachment means (2) may comprise or form a front opening (25) typically at one of its so-called “near” ends (20), into which the said finger end phalanx (40) can be inserted into the said attachment means (2) by an axial movement along an axial direction A, in the same way as a thimble fits onto a finger, so that it is temporarily fixed to any type of finger and typically to the end phalanx of the index finger or the middle finger, its other so-called “far” end (21) being fitted with the said application means (3), possibly by the assembly means (23) or by the said sleeve (230).

This embodiment is illustrated particularly in FIGS. 1 to 4.

According to one variant of this embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the said attachment means (2) may form a finger cap or sheath (22) typically with a side opening (221) on part of its length so as to form flexible edges or walls (220).

However, the variant in which the sheath does not include a side opening forms part of the invention but is not illustrated as such in a Figure. It would correspond to an applicator like that illustrated in FIG. 3, but without a side opening (221).

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the said sheath (22) may have an upper recess (24) symbolically and typically in the form of a nail, and typically towards its far end so as to make the nail (41) of the said end phalanx (40) visible, and thus to guide a person using the said applicator (1) on how to use the applicator.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the said attachment means (2) may have a variable section and as illustrated in FIG. 4, typically include flexible tabs (222) at its near end (20) and a finger cap portion (223) at its far end (21) so as to hold the said applicator (1) in place on the said finger (4).

The invention also includes the case of finger caps (2) with a constant, and typically circular or oval section.

According to the invention, the said attachment means may comprise (2) at least one element (27, 28) with two branches forming a spring with a typically “U” shaped profile, the said branches comprising at least ends that can be elastically separated.

According to another embodiment of an applicator (1) illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 8, the said element with two branches may be an element (27) in which the two branches (270) are typically parallel to an axial plane, and in which the base (271) is fixed to the said assembly means (23) or the said application means (3), the two branches of the said “U” shaped element forming a front opening (25) through which the said finger end phalanx can be inserted by an axial movement along an axial direction A, like a thimble that fits on a finger, so as to be temporarily fixed to any type of finger and typically an end phalanx of a finger such as the index finger or the middle finger, its other so-called “far” end carrying the said application means.

According to another embodiment of the applicator (1) illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 5 a, the said element with two branches may be an element (28) fixed to a support (29) carrying the said sleeve (230) or the said application means (3) at its far end (21), the two branches (280) of the said “U” shaped element forming a side opening (26) and a front opening (25) enabling reversible attachment of the said applicator on the said finger, either through a lateral movement along the lateral direction L typically by click fitting, or an axial movement along the axial direction A, the two branches (280) typically being in a plane perpendicular to the said axial direction A.

Regardless of the embodiment of the invention, the said attachment means (2) may have a variable section, either as such over all or part of its length, if the attachment means (2) does not include elastic elements or spring effect elements, and corresponds to a “thimble” type sheath, or following an axial or lateral stress as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 5 a, 7 and 7 a by the letter E associated with a double arrow to diagrammatically show the elasticity and spacing of the attachment means (2), particularly when the finger passes into the attachment means (2) so as to be adapted to any finger diameter, such that during its temporary attachment onto the finger, the applicator (1) does not squeeze the finger which would be unpleasant for the user, while remaining fixed to the finger so that the finger and the applicator (1) move in unison.

According to the invention, the said application means (3) may comprise a specific applicator (32) chosen as a function of the nature of the said cosmetic and in order to apply it, typically fixed to the said assembly means (31) or to the said standard end piece (310), and typically chosen from an absorbent or cellular material, or a brush with a determined section and profile, typically with a circular and tapered section, so as to have a small diameter end and thus enable precise application of the said cosmetic.

Furthermore, the said specific applicator (32) may have a predetermined suppleness or flexibility.

In general, for a given cosmetic, the materials and the arrangement of these materials used to form specific applicators (32) according to the invention, may be the same as those used in traditional applicators.

Advantageously, the said attachment means (2) comprising the said sleeve, may typically be a single piece metal or plastic part. It is particularly advantageous economically if the said attachment means (2) is a moulded single piece plastic part.

Another purpose of the invention consists of using the applicator (1) for application of a cosmetic, the said cosmetic typically being in solid or semi-solid form such as a powder or paste, and preferably a lipstick or eye shadow.

The said applicator (1) can also be used in association with a cosmetic sample.

Another purpose consists of an applicator assembly including the said applicator (1) according to the invention and a series of N removable application means (30), typically differing in their section, profile, flexibility or suppleness, where N typically varies from 2 to 6, in which each of the removable application means includes the same assembly means (31) or standard end piece (310) designed to cooperate with the sleeve (23) of the attachment means (2).

This applicator assembly, typically packaged in a packaging or a compact, may comprise at least one cosmetic, the said applicator and the said application means being adapted for application of the said cosmetic.

In particular, the said applicator assembly may form a support for different applicators (1) or for the different application means (3), typically so that the specific applicator (32) can be changed without any risk of the hands getting dirty.

EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 to 9 correspond to embodiments of a digital applicator (1), or variant embodiments according to the invention.

The attachment means (2) of the applicator (1) according to FIGS. 1 to 4, 7 and 8 were obtained in a single piece by moulding a plastic material.

The attachment means (2) of the applicator (1) according to FIGS. 5 and 5 a were obtained by moulding a plastic support (29) on the upper part of an open ring made of metal or plastic, forming a “U” shaped element (28).

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

Firstly, digital applicators (1) according to the invention provide a compact and economic solution to the problem of the diverse natures of applicators necessary to satisfy a wide variety of user needs, particularly when these persons are travelling or are in the office, in other words they are not in the bathroom.

Thus, considering the low cost and size of applicators (1) according to the invention, and since it is possible to associate a large number of application means with a single attachment means, the invention makes it possible to market applicator assemblies, typically with at least two possibilities:

any marketed applicator assembly may comprise a number N of removable application means (30) or possibly applicators (1) that cover “standard” needs of users,

or, it would be possible for an applicator assembly to be marketed including a number N of removable application means (30) or possibly applicators (1), to be chosen among a number N′>N such that each user can compose an applicator assembly perfectly suited to her needs, whenever necessary.

Furthermore, as will be obvious from the above description, the invention enables a radical renewal of new products offered on the market, which is essential for cosmetics. Furthermore, the invention provides a means of making a large number of embodiments or variants, so as to personalize applicators if required. List of marks Digital applicator 1 Axial direction 10 Attachment means 2 “Near” end 20 “Far” end 21 Sheath or finger cap 22 Flexible edges or walls 220 Side opening 221 Flexible tab 222 Portion of sheath 223 Assembly means cooperating with 31 23 Sleeve cooperating with 31 230 Click fitting means 231 Orifice or female element cooperating with 312 232 Upper recess 24 Front opening for axial fixing A 25 Side opening for side fixing L 26 “U” shaped element for axial fixing A 27 Branch of the “U” 270 Base of the “U” 271 Curved edge of the branch 272 “U” shaped element for side fixing L 28 Branch of the “U” 280 Base of the “U” 281 Curved edge of the branch 282 Support for element 28 29 Application means 3 Removable application means 30 Assembly means cooperating with 23 31 Standard end piece cooperating with 23 310 Click fitting means 311 Male element cooperating with 232 312 Specific applicator 32 Finger 4 End phalanx 40 Nail 41 Separation plane between 2 and 3 5 

1. Applicator, typically an applicator of a cosmetic, comprising a) an attachment means (2) designed to be temporarily and reversibly fixed to a finger (4) of a hand or end phalanx (40) of the finger (4), and b) an application means (3) fixed to the said temporary attachment means and chosen particularly as a function of the nature of the said cosmetic to be applied, so as to form a digital applicator (1) of the said cosmetic, and in which 1) the said attachment means forms a single piece, typically a moulded plastic part, 2) the said attachment means (2) forms a finger cap or sheath (22) with a side opening (221) on part of its length so as to form flexible edges or walls (220).
 2. Applicator according to claim 1 in which the said application means (3) is a removable application means (30), so that the said application means can be chosen not only as a function of the nature of the said cosmetic, but also as a function particularly of the fineness of the application, but without needing to change the said attachment means (2).
 3. Applicator according to claim 2 in which the said removable application means (30) comprises an assembly means (31), typically a standard end piece (310), that will cooperate with a corresponding assembly means (23), typically a sleeve (230) fixed to the said attachment means (2).
 4. Applicator according to claim 3 in which the said assembly means (23) and (31) typically comprise click fitting means (231, 311) for manual changing of the said removable application means (30).
 5. Applicator according to claim 1 in which the said attachment means (2) comprises or forms a front opening (25) typically at one of its so-called “near” ends (20), into which the said finger end phalanx (40) can be inserted into the said attachment means (2) by an axial movement along an axial direction A, in the same way as a thimble fits onto a finger, so that it is temporarily fixed to any type of finger and typically to the end phalanx of the index finger or the middle finger, its other so-called “far” end (21) being fitted with the said application means (3), possibly by the assembly means (23).
 6. Applicator according to claim 1 in which the said sheath (22) has an upper recess (24) symbolically and typically in the form of a nail, and typically towards its far end so as to make the nail (41) of the said end phalanx (40) visible, and thus to guide a person using the said applicator (1) on how to use the applicator.
 7. Applicator according to claim 1 in which the said attachment means (2) has a variable section and, typically includes flexible tabs (222) at its near end (20) and a finger cap portion (223) at its far end (21) so as to hold the said applicator (1) in place on the said finger (4).
 8. Applicator according to claim 1 in which the said attachment means (2) comprises (2) at least one element (27, 28) with two branches forming a spring with a typically “U” shaped profile, the said branches comprising at least ends that can be elastically separated.
 9. Applicator according to claim 8 in which the said element with two branches is an element (27) in which the two branches (270) are typically parallel to an axial plane, and in which the base (271) is fixed to the said assembly means (23) or the said application means (3), the two branches of the said “U” shaped element forming a front opening (25) through which the said finger end phalanx can be inserted by an axial movement along an axial direction A, like a thimble that fits on a finger, so as to be temporarily fixed to any type of finger and typically an end phalanx of a finger such as the index finger or the middle finger, its other so-called “far” end carrying the said application means.
 10. Applicator according to claim 8 in which the said element with two branches is an element (28) fixed to a support (29) carrying the said attachment means (23) or the said application means (3) at its far end (21), the two branches (280) of the said “U” shaped element forming a side opening (26) and a front opening (25) enabling reversible attachment of the said applicator on the said finger, either through a lateral movement along the lateral direction L typically by click fitting, or an axial movement along the axial direction A, the two branches (280) typically being in a plane perpendicular to the said axial direction A.
 11. Applicator according to claim 1 in which the said attachment means (2) has a variable section, either as such over all or part of its length, or following an axial or lateral stress so as to be adapted to any finger diameter.
 12. Applicator according to claim 1 in which the said application means (3) comprises a specific applicator (32) chosen as a function of the nature of the said cosmetic and in order to apply it, typically fixed to the said assembly means (31) or to the said standard end piece (310), and typically chosen from an absorbent or cellular material, or a brush with a determined section and profile, typically with a circular and tapered section, so as to have a small diameter end and thus enable precise application of the said cosmetic.
 13. Applicator according to claim 12 in which the said specific applicator (32) has a predetermined suppleness or flexibility.
 14. Applicator according to claim 1 in which the said attachment means (2) comprising the said assembly means (23) and typically the said sleeve (230) or the said orifice (232) is typically a single piece metal or plastic part.
 15. Use of the applicator (1) according to claim 1 for application of a cosmetic, including a sample of the said cosmetic, the said cosmetic typically being in solid or semi-solid form such as a powder or paste, and preferably a lipstick or eye shadow.
 16. Applicator assembly comprising the said applicator (1) according to claim 2 and a series of N removable application means (30), typically differing in their section, profile, flexibility or suppleness, where N typically varies from 2 to 6, in which each of the removable application means includes the same assembly means (31), typically the same standard end piece (310) designed to cooperate with the assembly means (23), typically the sleeve (23) of the attachment means (2).
 17. Assembly according to claim 16, typically packaged in a packaging, and comprising at least one cosmetic, the said applicator and the said application means being adapted for application of the said cosmetic.
 18. Applicator according to claim 2 in which the said attachment means (2) comprises or forms a front opening (25) typically at one of its so-called “near” ends (20), into which the said finger end phalanx (40) can be inserted into the said attachment means (2) by an axial movement along an axial direction A, in the same way as a thimble fits onto a finger, so that it is temporarily fixed to any type of finger and typically to the end phalanx of the index finger or the middle finger, its other so-called “far” end (21) being fitted with the said application means (3), possibly by the assembly means (23).
 19. Applicator according to claim 3 in which the said attachment means (2) comprises or forms a front opening (25) typically at one of its so-called “near” ends (20), into which the said finger end phalanx (40) can be inserted into the said attachment means (2) by an axial movement along an axial direction A, in the same way as a thimble fits onto a finger, so that it is temporarily fixed to any type of finger and typically to the end phalanx of the index finger or the middle finger, its other so-called “far” end (21) being fitted with the said application means (3), possibly by the assembly means (23).
 20. Applicator according to claim 4 in which the said attachment means (2) comprises or forms a front opening (25) typically at one of its so-called “near” ends (20), into which the said finger end phalanx (40) can be inserted into the said attachment means (2) by an axial movement along an axial direction A, in the same way as a thimble fits onto a finger, so that it is temporarily fixed to any type of finger and typically to the end phalanx of the index finger or the middle finger, its other so-called “far” end (21) being fitted with the said application means (3), possibly by the assembly means (23). 